A systematic review 1 including 12 studies with a total of 941 subjects was abstracted in DARE. The pooled virological response rate for combination therapy was 14% (95% CI: 11 to 17), with a risk difference of 7% (95% CI: 2 to 13) in favour of combination therapy. Use of IFN alfa-2a/2b and 1 000 to 1 200 mg/day ribavirin was associated with a pooled virological response rate of 18% and a risk difference of 16% (95% CI: 11 to 21). The risk difference was 0% (95% CI: -7 to +7) when IFN alfa-n/n3 and a lower dose of ribavirin (600 to 800 mg/day) were used. Combination therapy was associated with more adverse effects (9 studies) with a risk difference of 4% (95% CI: 1 to 7). The pooled withdrawal rate was 9% (95% CI: 7 to 12) for combination therapy, compared with 4% (95% CI: 3 to 7) for monotherapy. No treatment-related deaths were reported.
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